Special Issues

Made music with his friends Greg Patterson was born in Springfield, the son of Charles Patterson and Nancy Clark. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and later served two tours in Iraq, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and several other decorations during his service.  Greg married Michelle Abbott […]

Sgt. Brian Keith Baptist had planned to retire in November 2025 from the Jacksonville Police Department after more than 20 years of service. His sudden death has changed the lives of all of those who knew and loved him. Brian was known for being the life of every party and was known for his smile […]

A passion for helping others  Meghan Lynn Harmon changed my life. I will see to it that her legacy has a lasting impact on others.  Born to Beth and Bob Harmon, Meghan also had a younger brother, Kyle. I am the surviving spouse of nearly 10 years, but our relationship began when we were just […]

Myrl Burgener was a hardworking family man who didn’t know a stranger. Everywhere he went he made friends. After he retired from a long and successful career with Lincolnland FS he became a “snowbird” and wintered in San Benito, Texas, where he was known as the “Mayor of M Street.” Myrl was always up for […]

Blair had many interests. He was a writer, actor, sports fan and book lover. He performed in more than 20 plays in high school, college and community theater.  Blair wrote over two dozen plays. In 1979 his play, Vachel, was performed as part of the Vachel Lindsey 100th Birthday Celebration. This work resulted in Blair […]

Yours in service “Yours in service.” If you’ve ever received an email or a letter from my older brother, Scott McFarland, you may be familiar with his sign off. Scott’s entire life was dedicated to helping others. Although he was taken far too soon – a week prior to his 42nd birthday – he touched […]

“Hey Kemosabe!” There are many people, past and present, who could tell you colorful, incredible, amazing and heartfelt stories about my Dad (someone who had epilepsy his entire life yet was a tremendous athlete), served in the Korean War and garnered a ‘laundry list’ of accolades in his 91-plus years on this Earth!  I just […]

A legacy of care for animals Frank Coble was a second-generation Springfield veterinarian who radically changed how animals are cared for in the community by instituting advanced treatment techniques, establishing an emergency clinic and training a new generation of animal doctors.  Coble died Sept. 8 at the age of 80 after battling dementia for several […]

Taking care of the families Susan Boone used her compassion to guide families dealing with the death of relatives after homicides, accidents, suspicious situations and other circumstances that required the attention of the county coroner. The reflections about Boone, a longtime former Sangamon County coroner who died at 76 on Dec. 30, 2024, came from […]

It’s been almost a year that I lost my Jim. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and I miss him even more. My wonderful husband was smart, funny, handsome, loving and giving. Jim was the youngest of four sisters and a true gentleman. A wonderful dad/stepdad, granddad/step granddad, great granddad, […]

He cleared Illinois’ death row George Ryan was a cigar-chomping, salty-tongued Illinois pol whose political career pinnacled in the governor’s mansion and ended in a prison cell. The state’s 39th governor died May 2 at the age of 91 in his hometown of Kankakee.  Ryan was a product of the Kankakee political machine, which was […]

This year we give thanks for mustachioed men with ornery temperaments and hearts of gold. Upon approaching this unusual species in his natural habitat, an ordinary person could very easily be expected to pay little attention to such an immediately unassuming individual.  However … if that same someone was to endeavor beyond the surface, just […]